Entry and Visa Requirements for Cuba

Any visitor willing to visit Cuba needs a visa and a passport valid for six months to enter the country. The visa generally allows a visitor a stay of up to 30 days that could be extended further to 30 more days.

All the tourist entering Hong Kong require visa except:

• Nationals of the countries that have signed visa exemption agreements with the Republic of Cuba
• Holders of a Tourist Visa Card provided by certain tour operators, travel agencies and airlines valid for one single trip of 30 days that can be extended in Cuba (To get a tourist visa card, the visitor should have air and hotel reservations in advance through an officially recognized tour operator.)
• Transit passengers continuing their journey to other destination within 72 hours and are in possession of the onward tickets and $50 per day

All business travelers except journalists attending a conference or those wishing to study need a visa regardless of any nationality. Foreign passport holders born in Cuba do not get visa exemptions or Tourist Visa Card facilities unless holding a document proving withdrawal of Cuban citizenship.

US citizens must get a license from the Department of Treasury in order to travel to Cuba, as travel is strictly controlled and only select categories of visitors are given licenses. Tourist travel is officially impossible due to the US Embargo and travel for business reasons is heavily restricted. US citizens who are licensed require a passport valid for at least three months and a visa for entry.

Documents required for visa

• Photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months after the departure date from Cuba
• Completed application form
• Photocopy of return ticket or travel agent voucher for pre-paid package tour
• Fee payable in cash, by postal order or cheque

Cost of visa

The cost of Tourist Visa Card is around $30 USD. However, it also depends on the place of issue and may vary from country to country.

Validity of visa

Tourist Visa Cards must be used within 6 months of issue. Tourist Visa Cards and Tourist and Business visas are valid for 30 days from date of entry with a possibility of extensions of a further 30 days.

Time required

• Tourist Visa Card is issued in 1 day (7 days for postal applications)
• Tourist visa is issued in 7 to 10 days
• Business visa is issued in 10 days (2 weeks for postal applications)
• Journalist visa requires minimum of 6 weeks

By: Shuchita Bist
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
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